BOLMEs.J MANUFACTURE. COLORS, AXD USES OP POTTERY. 57 



Color. — The colors of the ware aud of the surface applications vary 

 decidedly with the different groups. The prevailing colors of the 

 paste may be defined as ranging from very light yellow grays to a 

 variety of ochery yellows and very pale terra cotta reds. In one or 

 two groups there is an approach to salmon and orange hues, and in 

 another the color is black or dark brown. The color within the mass 

 is in some cases darker than upon the surface, an effect produced in 

 baking, and not through the use of different clays. The slip is usually 

 lighter than the surface of the paste. 



The colors used in finishing and decorating are confined to reds, 

 blacks, and jjurple grays. In one large group of ware the appear- 

 ance of the delineations is such as to lead to the conclusion that the 

 jsrincipal pigment or fluid employed in delineation has totally dis- 

 appeared, carrying with it all imderlying colors not of unusual per- 

 manence or not woi-ked down with the polishing implement. The 

 Aztec and other races of tropical America used an aruillaccous, white 

 pigment in dec(_)rating their wares, whit-li has in many cases partially 

 or wholly disappeared, can-ying away ccmsidrrabli- i)i>rtii)ns of the 

 colors over which it was laid, while in other cases, and also in this 

 Chiriqiii ware, there is no trace of color remaining and we are left to 

 suniiise that the brush iised pn>bably c.iitaiiifd ineivly a "taking 

 nut'" iiM-dium. Eed was i.rot ii-ely uscil and \ai-irs IV. mi a liuhl vcr- 

 milidu tn a- deep maroon. In (Tilain dassrs of vessels il was hastily 

 daubed on, covering prominent parts of the surface or forming irreg- 

 ular spots, streaks, and rude figures. In two groups of ware it was 

 used as thechief delini>atiu--e<il,,i-. Tu s. line cases it waseniiiluyedas 

 a washnrslipau.! was w, n-ked d. .\vn wit li the pnlishi n- stMue. and in 



signs in other colors. It is always a fast color and is probably of 

 mineral character. 



The blacks are of two kinds, which are used in distinct groups of 

 ware : one, probably a mineral pigment, somewhat pasty when ap- 

 plied and quite permanent, is always used in delineating the orna- 

 mental figures ; the other, possibly a vegetable tint, is always iised 

 as a ground upon which to execute designs in other mediums. It is 

 confined to a single group of ware. It has in many cases disappeared 

 entirely, and where remaining can be removed with ease by rubbing. 



A light purple tint is tastefiiUy and sparingly employed in one 

 group of ware. Browns and other hues occur but rarely and in all 

 cases result from alterations of other colors produced in firing. The 

 color effects of this pottery, although evidently much modified Ijy 

 age, are sufficiently rich to be highly pleasing to the eye. 



Use. — The uses to which most classes of earthen products were ap- 

 plied are easily determined. Whistles, drums, rattles, and spindle 

 whorls have definite duties to perform, and vessels, as to general scope 

 of function, answer for themselves : but when we come to inquire 



